Write equations for the reaction of propanoic acid with methanol and name any organic products.

This reaction is the formation of an ester because the reactants are a carboxylic acid and an alcohol.
Propanoic acid has 3 carbons and will have the functional group COOH:
CH3CH2COOH
Methanol has 1 carbon and an OH functional group:
CH3OH
So the equation is:
CH3CH2COOH + CH3OH ---> CH3CH2COOCH3 + H2O
The organic product is methyl propanoate because there are 3 carbons before the ester group and 1 carbon after the ester group.

BH
Answered by Bethan H. Chemistry tutor

32430 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain the trend of first ionisation energy down a group.


Name the three steps in free radical substitution and give an example equation for each


Why do transition metals form coloured compounds?


How does a change in temperature affect the Kc value when the forward reaction is exothermic?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences